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foundation

foun·da·tion

foundation

 
 
pronunciation:
faUn deI shn
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the base or basis of something such as a process, substance, structure, or opinion.
These facts form the foundation of her theory.
synonyms:
base, basis, footer, footing, groundwork, pedestal, rationale, reason, substructure, underpinning
similar words:
bed, bottom, cause, essential, fabric, ground, hinge, justification, origin, principle, root, source, support
definition 2: the act of establishing or originating.
After the foundation of the hospital, the town's population grew.He was involved in the foundation of the company.
synonyms:
creation, establishment, founding, institution
similar words:
constitution, groundwork, installation
definition 3: the masonry or stone structure that supports a building from beneath.
Fortunately, the house was built on a solid foundation.Water has seeped through the foundation.
 
synonyms:
base, footer, footing, substructure, underpinning
similar words:
basement, cellar, groundwork, substratum, support
definition 4: an endowed organization that regularly grants money to individuals or groups.
The dance troupe gets financial support from one of the foundations for the arts.The heiress established a foundation to help the blind.
synonyms:
charity, institution, philanthropy
similar words:
fund
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derivations: foundational (adj.), foundationally (adv.)
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